Jilan

This drama explores how selfishness and detachment are tied to the pursuit of immortality. The pacing feels slow if you try to binge it, but as a daily watch it flows naturally. There’s a wide cast of characters, though many come across as flat. What the story does capture brilliantly is the cunning and cruelty of mortal minds—people may stop aging, but they remain mortals at heart, still scheming for survival.

Han Li stands out as the ultimate schemer. Unlike others who rely on luck, he works hard to turn every opportunity into an advantage, which makes him inspiring. His relationships with his four love interests add depth, though his detachment is clear. At one point, it’s hinted he had feelings for Ms. Mo, but he still abandoned her for his greater goal. He carries all his mentors and master in his heart without clinging to them—showing his path toward extreme detachment.

I just hope he remembers his master’s words, stays true to himself, and never forgets what he really wants.